Perceptions of midwives on the shortage and retention of staff at a public hospital in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province

Abstract:

Midwifery is the backbone of women and child healthcare. The shortage of staff in maternity units is a crisis faced by many countries worldwide, including South Africa. This study aims to investigate and explore the perceptions of midwives on the shortage and retention of staff in a public institution. An explorative, descriptive generic qualitative design method was followed. Non-probability, purposive sampling technique was used. The study was conducted at one tertiary hospital in the district of Tshwane, Gauteng Province. A total of 11 midwives were interviewed. Thematic coding analysis was followed in analysing data. Midwives are passionate about their job, despite the hurdles related to their day-to-day work environment. They are demoralised by a chronic shortage of staff, and feel overworked. Staff involvement in decision-making processes is a motivational factor for midwives to stay in the profession.

Citation:Matlala, Mosehle Salome (2017) Perceptions of midwives on the shortage and retention of staff at a public hospital in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/24409>

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